The State of Florida has joined approximately 43 other states in passing legislation to create a Safe Haven Law. 

This law allows a birth parent to leave her newborn baby, of less then 3 days of age, at a fire station, hospital, or emergency services station which are all designated as Safe Havens.

The facility shall provide for the immediate care and treatment of the child and the child shall be taken to the nearest hospital. An adoption agency will be contacted to arrange for placement of the child for adoption. 

Under this law, it is presumed  that a parent who leaves her child at a designated Safe Haven in accordance with this law intended to do so and consents to a Termination of Parental Rights. 

The adoption agency must try to make a search for the biological parents before proceeding to the adoption of such a child. Birth parents may change their minds and claim the child. If the birth parent(s) comes forward to claim the child, he or she must do so before a judgment is entered terminating parental rights.  

A biological parent shall not be considered to have abandoned her child, nor shall any criminal action be commenced against her -- unless there is actual or suspected child abuse or neglect. 

Such a drastic step is oftentimes made by birth parents afraid to come forward for personal reasons such as family outrage, concealed relationships, or crimes of violence such as rape. It is hoped that biological parents can be counseled to make a plan for their child through the services of an adoption professional licensed in the state, and such information can be handled in a confidential manner. If not, or if the biological parents are not informed of such services available this Law is there to protect the child in the event the parent feels compelled to make such a decision.

"I hope that a birth parent reading this website information will understand that a choice can be made to  call my office at
                                     1-800-432-1500
to create a private adoption plan for the baby. As an approved Adoption Entity in the State of Florida, I can immediately assist you in the transfer of custody of the child for the purpose of adoption to a home study ready adoptive family."                        Mary Ann Scherer